Suicide Attempts in University Halls of Residence – Read the Facts
What happens following suicidal behaviour by a student living in one of our
halls of residence?
1. Each case is examined individually and an appropriate approach is agreed on.
2. Hall staff consult with mental health professionals, with the student themselves and,
where possible, with the students’ family, about what should happen next.
3. The student is encouraged to spend recovery time following a suicide attempt in a
supportive family environment away from the hall. This is generally with family. .
This respite break allows them to recover their emotional wellbeing and gives time
for a longer term wellness plan to be developed.
In many cases, a hall environment is not an appropriate or safe place for a student
recovering from a suicide attempt. The period after a suicide attempt can be a high
risk time for a more serious attempt. It would be irresponsible to expect fellow
residents or halls staff to watch over them or provide the care they need.
4.
No student is ever evicted from our halls of residence due solely to their
Formatted: Indent: Left: 1.27 cm, No bul ets or
mental health.
numbering
5.4.Support is provided to other residents and staff in the hall of residence, who may be
traumatised by suicidal or intentional self-harm behaviour.
6.5.Students are treated with care and compassion, even if ultimately a decision has to be
made that they are not happy with.
7.6. After a break, it would be very rare for a student not to be allowed back to the hall,
provided an acceptable wellness plan was developed and all concerned thought it was
realistic.
The process and principles outlined above have beenare followed in all cases involving
suicide attempts in our halls of residence.
Find out more about student counselling services provided at Victoria University of
Wellington here:
www.victoria.ac.nz/news/2018/09/student-counselling-at-victoria-university-of-wellington
www.victoria.ac.nz/students/support
